Sled construction



W. FLAJOLE SLED CONSTRUCTION March 13, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 27, 1946 INVENTOR.

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I Application September 27, 1946, Serial No. 699,941 4Ulaims. (01. 2s0 1 2 This invention relates to sleds, and more particularly to toy sleds havingasingle central runner, and a pair of spaced Outriggers arranged on opposite sides thereof.

Itis the object of this invention to provide a sled platform with. a formed sled runner centrally positioned thereunder, and with the end portions of said runner being bent? inwardly to support said platform, and further bent downwardly and: secured at its outer ends to intermediate portions'of saidrun'ner It is the object of this inv'enti'on to provide a transverse outrigger supporting member secured forwardly to" the-under sideof saidplatiorrrr, and with the outer ends" being: bent downwardly and having secured thereto a pair of outrigger members.

It is the further object of this? invention; to provide the outriggersor a hollow welded construction, consisting of a pair oi formed hollow members which are adapted to be centrally welded to each other, and also to the formedends of said outrigger supporting memberswhich project down into said outriggers It is thefurther object of this: invention to provide a runner member upon the under surface of said Outriggers, with said. runner member" being formed as an integral. part of the outriggersa It isthe further object ofv this; invention to employ a relatively light gauge: steel inv the construction of thesl'ed with: the: platform reinforced by a eripherai beading as well. as" a plurality of corrugations. Further',the central runner and the outrigger supporting member are reinforced by a corrugated construction;

It is the further object of this invention to construct the. central: runner of a pair of sepa-- rately formed and? aligned spaced. runner members, rather than. auniitary runner;

It is the further object of: this invention to provide a: single, centralshort runner which is positioned rearwardly' of the: sled platform, with the forward portion or said platform: being supported. entirelyupona the two: spaced Outriggers.

It is the further object of. this invention: to provide a} sled construction or the latter type, with the outrigger supporting member being pivotally mounted under thevplatiorm toipermitmam ual steering.

It is the still further object of this invention to provide: steering means for the latter construc' tion, whereby the rear central runner ispiv otally mounted, together with manual steering means forwardly mounted onthe under" side" of Solid platform, Bill'd j'oifidi 150- said rear These and other objects will be seen from the following specification and claims, in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the single runner sled construction.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational section thereof on line 22 of Fig. 1-.

Fig. 3 is an elevational section on line 3-3 of Fig. 1. V

Fig. 4 is an elevational sectionof the sled platformtaken: on line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a plan section on line 5-5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentar plan view of a slightly difierentform of sled construction employing a central rearwardly positioned runner.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary elevational section thereof' on line 'I-J of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary plan view of a sled construction similar tothat shown in Figures 1 and 2, but with the central runner being formed of two aligned. members.

Fig. 9 is: a fragmentary elevational section on line 99of. Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary plan view of the sled constructionshown in Fig. 6, with the outrigger member being pivotally supported.

Fig- 11 is a fragmentary elevational section on line ll|l of Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary plan view of the sled construction. shown in Fig. 6, but with the rear central runner being pivotally mounted for steering; and c Fig. 13 is a fragmentary elevational section on line |3l3 of Fig. 12.

It will be understoodthat the above drawings illustrate merely several preferable embodiments of the invention, and that other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the claims hereafter set out.

Referring to the drawings, Figures 1 to 5, a sled construction is shown consisting of a substantially elliptically shaped platform 11 constructed of relatively thin gauge steel, as for instance, of an inch, and reinforced by a peripheralbeading l2. 1

Said beaded construction. is circularly formed as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 and extends below the platform throughout its periphery.

Platform H is further reinforced by the plurality ofcorrugated or indented portions I 3 formed in the top surface thereof. Said platform is further reinforced by the indentations M, which formthe name SNO-ROCKET, or SNO- RQCKETTE, embossed in the surface of said platform.

The single central runner, Figures 1, 2 and 3, is constructed of a corrugated steel of relatively thin gauge, as for instance, of'an inch, and is formed with rounded outer edges I5, and central concave slotted portion I6, to greatly increase its strength.

The central runner consists of a flat portion I'I, having a formed upwardly curved front portion I 8, which extends rearwardly, and is formed further with an indentation IS, a. fiat portion 20, and an angularly and downwardly projecting por tion 2 I, which is suitably secured as by welding at points 22, to the top surface of runner portion II.

Portion I! of said runner also extends rearwardly and has an. upwardly curved rear portion 23, which extends inwardly with an inclined portion 24, a flat portion 25, and an angularly and downwardly extending end portion 26, which is secured as by welding at points 21 to the top surface of runner portion I I.

End members 2! and 26 of the sled runner thereby provide a reinforcement therefor to give additional strength thereto, and also to provide a more sturdy, non-yielding support for platform II.

Referring to Fig. 1, the outer curved edges I of the runner portions 2!] and 25, are flattened out at 21, and are secured as by welding at points 28 to the under surface of platform I I.

The front and rear beaded portions I2 of said platform are nested respectively within indentation I9 and against inclination 24, forming a part 'of the central runner, whereby said platform is properly positioned relative to the formed portions of its supporting central runner.

Outrigger supporting member 29 is formed of the same corrugated steel construction, with the outer curved portions I5 and central concave longitudinal slot I6. The outer curved portions I5 of outrigger support 29 ar flattened out at 30', and suitably secured as by welding to the under side of platform II. As shown in Fig. 3, member 29 has inclined portions 30, against which rest the side beaded portions I2 of platform I I.

The outer horizontal portions of member 29 terminate in the downwardly projecting portions 3|, to which are secured as by welding, formed outriggers 32.

Said Outriggers are hollow and consist of a pair of formed oppositely arranged members 33 and 34, which are positioned over the free ends of supporting members 3 i, and welded .thereto, and centrally to each other along their peripheral points of contact or juncture.

Referring to Fig. 3, outrigger members 33 and register with the upward curvature of outriggers 32.

Runners 31 may be preferably formed as an integral part of outrigger members 33 and 34, or on the other hand, may be separate with a central flange 38 projecting into members 33 and 34, and suitably welded thereto at points 39.

The bottom surfaces of outrigger runners 3'I lie in a plan which is elevated relative to the bottom surface of central runner [1, whereby it is 4 seen that in operation said sled may be supported and balanced entirely upon the central runner, and particularly in coasting downhill. The outriggers function only during the period when the sled is not so balanced, to prevent tipping thereof. A reinforcing bar 40, Figures 1, 2 and 3, extends below outrigger support 28, and is welded thereto at points M, Fig. 3, to give additional rigidity to Outriggers 32. Openings 42 are formed in outrigger support 29, through which a pulling rope may be secured if desired. Referring to Figures 1 and 4, openings 43' are formed in the rear portions of platform I I, adjacent bead I2 to aid the individual in carrying the sled.

Referringto Figures 8 and 9, a slightly different form of sled construction is shown, wherein the central runner is formed in two aligned parts, i. e., the forward central runner 43 and the rear central runner 4d. Said runners consist of the same corrugated steel construction described in conjunction with Figures 1 to 5.

Forward runner 43 has a bottom flat surface engaging portion 45, which curves upwardly at 46 and rearwardly with depression 41 and flat end portion 48. Runner portion 45 also extends rearwardly, curving upwardly at 49, and terminating in the flat inwardly extending end portion 59. The corrugated portions I5 of runner members 48 and 50, are flattened the same as members 21' in Fig. l, and are suitably and centrally secured to the under side of platform I I, as by welding.

Rear central runner 44 is continuous in form and has a flat bottom portion 5I with a forward upwardly curved portion 52, which terminates in the flat rearwardly extending portion 53. Portion 5| also extends rearwardly curving upwardly at 54; Inclined portion 55 is intermediate curved portion 54 and'flat portion 53. Similarly the outer curved portions I5 of portion 53 are flattened out and welded to the under side of sled platform I I.

Annular bead l2 of platform'l I at its front and rear portions, respectively registers with depression 41 in runner 43, and inclined portion 55 of aligned central runner 44.

Outriggers 32 and their support 29, are the! same as described above with respect to Figures 1, 2 and 3, and their description is not repeated.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7 a slightly different form of sled is employed, wherein the front central runner 43 of Fig. 9 is omitted. Merely central rearwardly arranged runner 44 is employed; and the front end of platform I I is supported at all times directly by Outriggers 32. The construction of Outriggers 32 and their support 29, are above fully described in reference to Figures 1 to 4, and their description is'not repeated.

It will be understood that the sled of Figures 6 and 7 differs from the sled of Figures 1 and 9, in that a definite three-point support is provided at all times for the sled platform. Thus three runner supporting surfaces are provided.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a modification of the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and '7, in that steering means are provided. The construction of the sled in Fig. 10 is the same as in Figs. 6 and 7, except that outrigger support 29 is not welded to the under side of the sled platform. On the other hand, in Fig. 10 outrigger support 29 is centrally and pivotally mounted on the under side of the sled platform. Bolt 56 centrally supported on platform I I extends through an opening therein, and through a corresponding central opening formed in'outrigger support 29.

Cotter pin 51 extends through a transverse opening in the end of bolt 56, with a suitable washer 58 being interposed between cotter pin 51 and support 29. I

Leaf spring 59 is centrally mounted on bolt 69, which also is supported upon and extends through platform ll. Washer 6| on bolt 60 engages the under side of spring 59, and is locked in position by transverse cotter pin 62. I

The free ends of spring 59 engage rollers or discs 63, which are supported on bolts 64, which extend down through outrigger support 29. Said rollers are retained in position by washers 55 and cotter pins 66.

By the above construction spring 59 has the tendency to straighten out outrigger support 29, and retain it in unturned position, thereby preventing wobbling thereof. On the other hand, the sled in Fig. 10 may be turned or steered by the riders hands or feet engaging the free extending portions of outrigger supports 29.

In Figures 10 and 11 a means is illustrated for turning the outriggers to steer the sled. However, in Figures 12 and 13 means are illustrated for steering by effecting pivotal movement of rear runner 44.

Runner 44 above described is pivotally mounted centrally and rearwardly of sled platform II, by means of the bolt 61, which is rotatably supported upon and which extends through said platform. Bolt 81 extends through spacer disc 68 and through the fitting 69 welded to runner 44.

Fitting 69 is secured to bolt 61 by key 18, so that runner 44 is adapted to rotate with bolt 61. The latter further extends down through runner 44 and is retained on its under side by washer H and cotter pin 12.

Lever 13 with openings 14 at its opposite ends, is centrally carried at the lower end of bolt 61 and welded thereto. Steering lever 15 is pivotally mounted and positioned forwardly on platform I I. Said lever has a bolt 18, immoveably secured thereto, which extends through an opening in platform I I and is retained in position by washer TI and cotter pin 18. Lever 19 is centrally joined to the lower end of pivotal steering bolt 16 and welded thereto.

Corresponding openings 80 are formed at the ends of lever 19. Steering wires 8| are respectively interposed between levers 13 and 19 through their respective openings 14 and 89, as illustrated in Fig. 12.

Thus manual steering action of handle 15 effects a corresponding angular steering adjustment of rear central runner 44.

Having described my should now be had to the claims which follow for determining the scope thereof.

I claim:

1. A sled comprising a platform having a peripheral beaded outer edge, a single corrugated runner centrally secured under said platform, a transverse corrugated outrigger support secured under said platform with its ends bent downwardly, outriggers on the ends of said support 6 consisting of hollow oppositely arranged formed outrigger halves, centrally welded to each other invention reference 6 and to the said end'portions which extend down into said halves, and flanged runner blades on the bottom of said outriggers, with the flanged portions extending into said outrigger halves and welded thereto.

2. A sled comprising a platform having a peripheral beaded outer edge, and a single corrugated runner centrally secured thereto, and consisting of a flat bottom portion terminating in upwardly and inwardly curved portions, adjacent fiat portions secured under said platform, and angularly arranged reinforcing end portions which extend down and are secured to said bottom portion.

3. A sled comprising a platform having a peripheral beaded outer edge, a single corrugated runner centrally secured thereto and consisting of a flat bottom portion terminating in upwardly and inwardly curved portions, adjacent fiat portions secured under said platform, and angularly arranged reinforcing end portions which extend down and are secured to said bottom portion, a transverse outrigger support secured under said platform, and Outriggers secured upon the outer ends of said support.

4. A sled comprising a platform having a peripheral beaded outer edge, a single corrugated runner centrally secured thereto and consisting of a fiat bottom portion terminating in upwardly and inwardly curved portions, adjacent fiat portions secured under said platform, and angularly arranged reinforcing end portions which extend down and are secured to said bottom portion, a transverse outrigger support secured under said platform, and Outriggers on the ends of said support consisting of. hollow formed outrigger halves, centrally secured to each other and to the end portions of said support.

WILLIAM FLAJ OLE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

. UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 94,024 Partridge Aug. 24, 1869 664,215 I-Iickson Dec. 18, 1900 1,117,807 Diener et al. Nov. 17, 1914 1,194,097 Tritz Aug. 8, 1916 1,345,825 Beau July 6, 1920 1,676,159 Roth July 3, 1928 1,692,354 Stone Nov. 20, 1928 1,720,071 Bunce July 9, 1929 1,886,650 Davies et al. Nov. 8, 1932 2,175,628 Forbes Oct. 10, 1939 2,188,080 Grimm Jan. 23, 1940 2,203,909 Insam June 11, 1940 2,219,905 Prickman Oct. 29, 1940 2,266,842 Angeli Dec. 23, 1941 2,308,699 Longenecker Jan. 19, 1943 2,443,348 Flajole June 15, 1948 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 123,908 Austria July 25, 1931 

